TEF Reading Section C: Long Text Strategies (Academic & Editorial Passages)

Total Word Count: 1,800+ words

Section C of the TEF Reading Comprehension is the marathon. You face 2 long texts (400-600 words each), often academic articles or opinion pieces, with 7-10 questions per text.

Time Pressure: You have roughly 30 minutes per text.

The Challenge:

• Dense vocabulary (C1 level words).
• Complex sentence structures (relative clauses, passive voice, subjunctive).
• Implicit meanings (you must infer, not just read surface-level).

The Solution: The "PRE-SCAN-INFER" Method combined with Paragraph Mapping.

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Part 1: The PRE-SCAN-INFER Method

P - Preview the Questions

Before reading the text, read all the questions.

• This tells you WHAT to look for.
• You're not reading for pleasure; you're hunting for answers.

Example:

Part 2: Paragraph Mapping (Active Reading Technique)

As you read, annotate the margins of your test booklet (if allowed) or on scratch paper.

Step 1: Label Each Paragraph

• P1: Intro (Problem stated).
• P2: Arg 1 (Environment).

Part 3: Common Question Types in Section C

Type 1: Main Idea (Thèse)

• Question: "Quelle est la thèse de l'auteur ?"

Part 4: Advanced Vocabulary Tips

Section C uses C1-level vocabulary. You won't know every word. That's okay.

Strategy 1: Root Words

Many French words share roots with English (Latin origin).

• Préserver = Preserve.

Part 5: Time Management for Section C

You have 60 minutes for Section C (2 texts).

• Text 1: 30 minutes.
• Text 2: 30 minutes.

Per Text Breakdown:

Part 6: Sample Text Analysis

Title: "Faut-il bannir le plastique à usage unique ?" (Should single-use plastic be banned?)

Para 1 (Intro): "La pollution plastique est un fléau mondial. Chaque année, 8 millions de tonnes de plastique finissent dans les océans."

• Label: Problem stated.

Conclusion

Section C is about strategic reading, not word-for-word comprehension. You don't need to understand every single sentence. You need to:

1. Identify the structure (Intro, Arguments, Counter, Conclusion).
2. Find the answers to the questions.
3. Infer when necessary.

Use the PRE-SCAN-INFER method, label paragraphs, and manage your time ruthlessly. This is a test of reading efficiency, not reading pleasure.